To be a Princess, Day 16: The Wedding
Tenchi woke up just like he has for the past several mornings relaxed and happy. But like yesterday he discovered that he was alone again. Frowning he got dressed first then ventured outside the room. And again like yesterday Ryoko was up and talking to Ayeka and Sasami. He approached them and said his good mornings to them, first by giving Ryoko a light kiss then actually saying good morning to the three girls.
After a hasty breakfast Kinata arrived and had Tenchi follow him while Ryoko left with Ayeka. Before parting they were allowed one kiss, which they gladly took advantage of. They were not allowed to see each other until the ceremony. The first place that Tenchi was taken to was a changing room of sorts where he was asked to try on a number of different suits. Of coarse he complained about it as he had done the same thing yesterday. Kinata just laughed and told him, "My Lord that was for your wedding this is for your conference."
"Conference?"
"Yes, You are to accompany the Emperor and myself to a, I believe you call them a press conference. There you will be asked about your lineage and your plans. But I caution you to not state specifically whom you will be marrying."
"What do you mean my plans? And why not tell them who?"
"The Empresses has asked you not to reveal that as then the hood would be of no use and the wedding would be contested before it has even begun. As for your plans, do you intend to become Emperor, or go back to your planet, or do you have some other plan?"
He thought about it for a moment and he could see the logic behind not saying who he was marrying but the way Kinata spoke it sounded like he knew what was being planned. "I really am not interested in becoming the Emperor, as I have no training nor knowledge on how to be one." Kinata just stated laughing as he helped Tenchi put on the last outer robe. He swore that with these multiple layers he must look a fool, but after surveying the others on the way he realized that this was normal.
As they walked Kinata whispered to him, "And what makes you think there is a school that prepares you for being an Emperor?" With that he opened the door and strode inside the conference. Tenchi took a deep breath then he too walked in, and although he felt like he was being led to his doom he did not allow that to show on his face.
Ryoko felt similarly out of place, Ayeka took her to meet the two queens and Sasami. The four of them had banded together to teach refinement to the ex-pirate. Ayeka and Funaho taught her how to walk and act like royalty. Sasami spent her time with Ryo-Ohki teaching her how to walk as well. Misaki was acting as the leader of it giving orders and giving bear hugs for everything that was done right. To Ryoko she thought this was a form of torture at first as Ayeka kept making her walk around until she got it right. And even then she was made to walk even more. "Now remember Miss Ryoko, you are marrying a prince and it is going to be broadcast to all of Jurai's territories and more," Ayeka told her proudly.
"Yes Ryoko," added Funaho, "and it would not look right to see the bride floating down the aisle."
Misaki added, "But when you walk remember to be light on your feet and float down the aisle!"
"I have to walk but I have to float?" Ryoko looked between them quickly trying to decipher their meanings.
"Miss Ryoko," she turned to Ayeka, "you will not be floating. You will be walking, but you must appear to be…" She stopped for a minute. "Oh dear, this is hard to say. Very well watch me." And with that Ayeka walked back and forth a little distance. Ryoko just looked at her strangely for a moment.
Sasami giggled, "She means watch her feet. And you too Ryo-Ohki."
Ryoko and Ryo-Ohki watched Ayeka walk again and this time as Sasami suggested they watched Ayeka's feet. As the princess walked they noticed what they were talking about after she had Ayeka walk around in circles for nearly half an hour. Ayeka seemed to be just floating along the carpet without even leaving the ground. Once she understood what was expected she attempted to mimic her, but just like Ryoko had Ayeka walking in circles for about a half hour they kept Ryoko on her feet doing circles until she finally had the walk down and then they made her do it some more. "Well Miss Ryoko anyone who marries a prince must learn how to walk and act accordingly."
Ryoko fought the urge to snap back saying that she made a better princess on earth, but there was not much point left in arguing. Besides she was the one getting married to him. These walking lessons went on for some time before they started the hard parts. Ryoko's hair was brushed and styled until it flowed down her back. The only part of her hairstyle that remained the same was the two locks that fell before her ears. For hours the two were taught to walk, dress, eat and many other things the way that a member of royalty was expected to.
After some time she thought that this was all she would do for the day when she was then brought her wedding dress. Her eyes longed to hold it and wear it one more time, but not just that but to actually stand beside him in it. Just looking at it made her giddy and happy. It took a few minutes to discover that Lady Funaho was holding it and trying to get her attention. "Miss Ryoko?"
"Huh, oh," she said coming out of her daydream.
Funaho held it out to her affectionately; "It is time to start getting dressed." Ryoko looked up with almost tears in her eyes, as she knew it was almost time, time to fulfill a longing of her heart and to fill an empty space she had felt her whole life. Knowing that he loved her had she thought been the best thing, then to really understand that he loved her for her, and not how she acted was an even bigger thrill. That night and the nights since then that she had spent in his arms had been the best nights of her life. And now she was going to become a part of him, as this will declare to the universe that he loves her. "Dear, are you ok?"
"Yea," she responded intent on not loosing her emotional control in front of them.
"I think she's just really happy." The ex-pirate turned to face Sasami as the little princess just stood there proudly in a cute little dress of her own. Beside her Ryo-Ohki was already dressed and looking just as cute.
"You're right." She patted Sasami on the head and then took her dress and held it up to look at it once more before the queens helped her put it on.
Tenchi groaned loudly and leaned against the wall. "I'm glad that's over."
"Ah come on now, I think you did very well." Tenchi looked over at Kinata, his friend of not but a few days. "Even though you nearly gave away the secret and I could tell you wanted to strangle that little man…" he left the comment hanging as Tenchi smirked and nodded. It had been hard but the prince had made it through the conference. The man in question was one that would have driven earth celebrities near insane. How that guy had come by his information Tenchi did not know, but thankfully Tenchi was able to point out that he had some wrong information which discredited the guys source. "But now it's time."
"Time?"
"Yes My Lord. It's time to go and start your preparation for the service." Tenchi's eyes grew big and then he smiled. Pulling himself away from the wall he followed Kinata down the hall to where he was to change his clothes yet again.
This time, Tenchi did not mind changing clothes as it was nearing time for him to be wed. However something seemed strange, he was nearly dressed when he realized that this was not what he had worn yesterday at the fitting. "Kinata?"
"Yes sire."
He frowned at the title but went on, "What's this for? I thought the Queens had something else picked out for the ceremony."
The captain looked at him strangely then smiled, "I'm sorry sir, but this is for a short ceremony that takes place right before the wedding. Your clothes are waiting or you in the chapel."
"Oh, then what do I do?" Kinata just laughed and he began explaining to the young prince about some of the Jurai customs and about what exactly was about to take place. Tenchi slowly began to understand that this was a rite of passage and was done for nearly all people before they were wed. In it he was supposed to basically kneel before a priest while they gave several long speeches about marriages and the significance of it.
During the actual event Tenchi had to use nearly every ounce of his training to not fall asleep during it. Behind him there were possibly hundreds of people watching. For the common man this was done in private, but since he happened to be a prince many had shown up for it. Chancing a glance behind him as the speaker droned on he noticed that Azusa was nearly asleep and several of the nobles were snoring softly. He stifled a chuckle as he went about his muscle relaxing techniques to keep his muscles from becoming stiff, and he was glad for once to have learned this from his grandfather. The speaker was similarly dressed as Tenchi was in a decorative flowing robe that held many Jurai markings, but he could not understand many of the words spoken. It seemed that he was going between two distinct languages, and Tenchi knew neither of them.
When it was finally over Tenchi was near asleep himself and looking back over his shoulder he could see that Kinata was like himself nearly asleep as was the emperor and a few others, but a large number of the whiteness were fast asleep. They were startled into consciousness as a bell began to toll richly. Standing up Tenchi said another silent thanks for the techniques he learned and then Kinata lead him out a back door. In this new room Tenchi smiled brightly as he recognized the change of clothes here. Kinata laughed as Tenchi nearly ripped his clothes off to put on this last change of clothes.
Ryoko had to go through a similar ceremony but thankfully there were very few in attendance, as only she and the two queens with the two princesses were allowed. It was the two queens that performed the rites and the atmosphere was more relaxed so Ryoko did not have to worry about falling asleep. As Lady Misaki read the text in an ancient language it was Lady Funaho that translated it. She told them that it was supposed to be translated but the language was still an old one that was not easily translated to their modern language. Ryoko could've cared less about it though, but it seemed to make the others happy that she take part in it.
After what seemed like hours to Tenchi and mere minutes to Ryoko the ceremonies were completed and they had been dressed in their wedding clothes. He was ushered into the chapel and she into another waiting room. From here she was able to call Washu and let her know about it and Washu made a show of not being able to be there with Katsuhito and Nobuyuki. Ayeka then transferred the link to Tenchi so he could talk to his father, but he was still not allowed to see Ryoko just yet.
She waited anxiously for her moment to see him in person, but she had to be content to watch what happened in the chapel through a video screen. "My Miss Ryoko this will certainly be an interesting day," Ayeka aid to her.
"Oh yes," intoned Misaki.
"Indeed it will sister."
"Yea Ryoko. How do we look?" Ryoko turned to see Sasami and Ryo-Ohki in their wedding dresses. Lady Misaki was barely able to contain herself as she looked at them. Ryoko just rolled her eyes at the queen's antics when she finally grabbed them both in a hug crying out how adorable they were.
Tenchi readjusted his suit one last time before Kinata and he stepped out into the chapel. He had expected a large gathering but not this large. He could not even begin to estimate the sheer number of people here.
Then it started, a slow march began to ring out through the place as a huge set of doors opened in the back. The Emperor and his wives walked down the hallway then turned to the side to take a place of honor on the right of the dais. He thought that the emperor must know the truth at the look on his face, but he hid his distaste well. He did not know though that the emperor was worried that he might still loose his daughter to this boy and he was not happy about that idea.
A few more people came forward and stood beside the emperor and a few stood on the other side, which he guessed were members of the Holy Council. Finally after what seemed an endless stream of people coming in the flow had stopped. When he looked around carefully he discovered that there were not that many people. He had originally thought it was much more.
A different song began to play and the melody seemed to easy his tensions. Though it was different from the traditional bridal march of Earth it was similar. A Woman in a regal robe walked in and down the front. Her head was bowed but he could tell it was not Ryoko. He was not sure how he knew, he just knew. Kinata seemed very appreciative of how she looked, as his eyes were riveted to the princess. She moved up close to him then turned and took a step away and the tune changed again, though subtly.
He saw Sasami enter in a formal looking dress as well and she seemed to be spreading something on the ground. From a wedding his father had taken him to before Tenchi understood she was like the flower girl. When she was halfway down the isle A woman in a white robed dress entered. Her head was covered as was her entire body but he knew it was her. His bride looked lovely even though he could not see her anything but the smile on her face. The hood came forward enough to cover her eyes and her nose but her lips he could still see. Poking out of one was a small fang that just confirmed his gut feeling.
When she reached him he thought he would burst but somehow he managed to hold it in. He nearly tuned out the minister completely as he held out his hand for hers. Taking his hand they faced each other then turned to the speaker as he began the service.
As agreed the minister had asked them if they take the one before them and he omitted their names, and even though he wanted to shout out his love for Ryoko at that moment he just said the customary 'I do.' She also said it and her voice sounded sure of herself and proud even though she felt like a nervous wreck on the inside.
When the minister asked for the rings to be exchanged, he gave her the second one in the set that he had bought what seemed now so long ago and then she presented him with the third in the set. Though he did not know why he bought all three of them at the time other than the sales person would not let the set be broken he was glad now that he did. Seeing both rings on her hand caused his chest to swell with pride, as he knew that she was his wife, and he was her husband.
Though she had tormented him for so long about choosing her he did not feel now that it was a torment but a pleasure to be hers. Looking back on it he wanted to hit himself at how he had acted, but that was his past, it just made him appreciate this even more. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he almost missed the end.
"Your majesties, and ladies and gentle men of the Holy counsel and houses of Jurai I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Tenchi Masaki, First prince and princess of Jurai. To seal this union would the prince remove her hood and kiss his wife."
Tenchi nearly gasped at what this would do, but decided that it would work well in their plans. Grasping her hood he whispered to her, "I love you." Tossing back the hood he placed a kiss on her lips avoiding her fangs for once as the whole assembly gasped as one. The truth was revealed and he bride had cyan colored hair and was definitely not the princess. Ayeka removed her hood and when everyone saw that the princess was not the one that was wed several of the people moved to their feet.
When he moved his face away from her he cold see that his bride, The now ex space pirate Ryoko, was still smiling, though he began to hear grumbling in the audience. He could understand their grumbling as they had been tricked, but if Ryoko had come down the isle with her hair showing she would not have even made it halfway down the isle. In the back he could make out a female with red hair pushing two men out that he assumed was his father and grandfather with Washu. He smiled knowing that his family could see his wedding, as he knew his father had really wanted this.
A few people in the Jurai counsel began to shout saying that it's an outrage that he has married this demon and a few other things and he wondered if Ryoko had heard them as she seemed oblivious to everything. In truth she had heard but did not care, she was not married to him and no one was going to upset her on her wedding day. Placing a protective arm around Ryoko Tenchi cleared his throat and declared in a loud voice, "Thank you all for coming to our wedding," he cringed inwardly at how stupid that sounded, "and I believe some may have a grievance against us." The commotion died down and he gave up a short prayer that he could keep up his courage for just a little while longer.
"If any would challenge this marriage let them meet us above the fifth planet of this system in two days time." He swallowed nervously as Ryoko gave him a slight squeeze showing her approval. To his side he saw Ayeka nod her head as Kinata just smiled. The emperor though was not happy at all about being tricked, but he was relieved that this boy did not marry his daughter. And if he were stupid enough to challenge this many at once then he would not have to worry about getting rid of Tenchi himself.
Several people had risen from their seats and started towards them so he decided a quick exit was in order. "You highness I apologize, but I am going to have to cut the celebration short." He turned to Ryoko and whispered, "I think it's time for us to leave."
She nodded and Ryo-Ohki bounded up into her arms changing quickly to cabbit form before all three of them disappeared. Above the chapel they could hear Ryo-Ohki cry out as she changed to battle ship form before flying away. The Jurai captain just laughed and escorted Ayeka out of there as others approached the councilmen and the emperor. Once outside he opened a communication like with his ship.
"Yes captain?"
He winked at Ayeka then asked, "Were the fields in place?"
"Yes sir. All fields were up and running during the service, should I stop them now?"
"Wait about five more minutes then drop the fields and then activate the second part."
"Yes Sir!"
Ayeka had listened in and was curious, "Second part?"
"Well I knew that he was going to be planning this so I had my ships setup a field around here that would disrupt the detectors that would activate the Jurai Defense grid. If Ryo-Ohki was seen flying in Jurai space then she was to be shot down, no questions."
"Oh my."
He gave her a lopsided grin that she found rather adorable, "So to make sure they could get away safely I had to shut them down."
"And what about this second part?"
Winking at her he said, "It is not good to be asking about that part yet, but let's say that there will be no trace of what happened just now."
"Oh, I see," she said winking back before blushing at what she had done.
He escorted her back to her room before returning to his ship to make sure everything had gone according to plan. "Tenchi I hope you know what you're doing," he whispered then added, "Tsunami protect them."